Video Review: DJI Phantom 4 Pro Carbon Fiber Props

Are the Drone World Carbon Fiber Props Worth it?

In this completely non-sponsored, non-affiliated video, I go through the installation and flight testing of the carbon fiber propellers for the DJI Phantom 4 Pro. My official statement is “Don’t use them”. See why, or for those who prefer text, keep on reading.

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro Story

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is an awesome UAV. But Drone world thinks their Carbon Fiber Propellers can make it better. Are they right?

The first thing I noticed is that Drone World ships these rather costly ($114) Carbon Fiber Props without installation instructions. You are set upon to figure out the intricacies of these prop hubs all by yourself. The packages contain 2 pair replacement prop mount hubs and 2 pair of props. Two are clockwise rotation and 2 counterclockwise rotations. The Red mounts to the white hub and the black mounts to black.

The screws sent seem slightly larger than the screw holes on the motors, but installation was still possible. Lining up the hubs to the DJI Phantom 4 Pro motor holes was barely a micron off, so the hubs just fit. Luckily I had a precision screwdriver and hex set. The Phantom 4 Pro uses a 1.5mm hex screw, while the Drone world hubs used a small Phillips head.

The Test

After the Prop hub and Propeller installation, the motors were turned on to test the self tightening mechanism. These are no longer the simple to install twist hubs. It worked though and the blades spun properly.

Taking the drone outside, a prop was loose and flew off. This is a situation I’ve heard mentioned from other drone pilots, that their props just flew off mid flight. Thankfully the DJI Phantom 4 Pro was still on the ground. Fixing that problem it was time for low altitude hovering and then basic maneuvers. Just in case…

The final test was ascent. The drone eagerly ascended to 11 meters (about 33 feet) and hovered just fine. Descent took forever though. This was partially due to the Gimbal guard I had also installed. It was interfering with the drones downward sensors and causing a very slow descent. Thankfully my DJI Phantom 4 Pro didn’t think it had landed and turned off the props. The landing was a big rough, but the skid extenders absorbed the impact like a boss.

Final Thoughts

Anyway that derailed me for a second. My final thoughts for the DJI Phantom 4 Pro is to keep is basic and close to stock as possible. DJI did an amazing job in balancing this UAV and making it the best possible at the price. The props, landing gear and everything involved work in harmony together.

The stiffer carbon fiber blades from Drone world seem to throw off this balance. The drone’s handling was more sluggish and it flew slower. Maneuvering was also off a bit. It seems the flex to the blades is important for flight and the overall aerodynamics of the craft.

This is only a non-professional suggestion and how you choose to fly is up to you.